World's biggest warship returns home after Mediterranean deployment amid Red Sea tensions

The world's largest warship has returned home to the USA after having spent eight months on deployment in the Eastern Mediterranean.

USS Gerald R Ford, the world's most advanced aircraft carrier, travelled through the region with a carrier strike group.

It comes at a time of heightened tension in the region, due to attacks by Houthi rebels on commercial shipping in the Red Sea – which the UK and US are working to stop.

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During her time in the Eastern Mediterranean, the carrier operated in areas that fall under both the US European Command and US Africa Command.  

Captain Rick Burgess, Commanding Officer of USS Gerald R Ford, said the ship and crew "performed remarkably" on the deployment.

"Our sailors breathed life into the ship's advanced technologies to demonstrate the extraordinary capabilities Ford-class carriers will provide to future generations," he said.

"At the height of our readiness and proficiency, we were called to the eastern Med, and proved to be the right ship at the right time to answer our nation's calling. 

"The Gerald R Ford is everything our nation hoped it would be, and more."

Last year, an RAF P-8 Poseidon took part in exercises with USS Gerald R Ford off the Norwegian coast.

The carrier's visit marked the first time a US aircraft carrier has visited the country in 65 years.